Capo

Modena Bib Shorts

The Capo lineup changes slightly from season to season, but the venerable Modena Bib Shorts are too classic to be replaced. The subtle double-striped logo on the left leg band is simple and, dare we say it, looks fast -- hearkening back to Italy's Modena Autodrome and the daredevil racers of yesteryear. Throwback or not, racing stripes are never out of vogue, which is probably why the Modena kit has cemented itself in the Capo catalog.

Of course, what is style without function? The Modena bib shorts use Lycra Power with panels that wrap around your quads. This slightly compressive construction supports your muscles and lessens vibration so that they stay fresher for longer. Essentially, this will make the difference between suffering or sprinting at the end of a long, hard day in the saddle. The seven panels, three per leg with a single panel across the lower back, not only look clutter-free, but also result in a reduction of seams and lessening of friction. Additionally, the bib upper uses Capo V-Mesh for its comfort, breathability, and light weight.

The chamois in the Modena is the Anatomic L HD Carbon EIT Insert. Although it's a streamlined pad, relative to what you find in other Capo shorts, it shares much of the same technological features with the top-end models. Its open-cell foam is bonded to a soft, antimicrobial microfiber layer that has carbon fiber threads woven in to expedite moisture evaporation. A perineal channel for pressure relief runs front to rear between raised pads in the chamois. And, as with all EIT pads, this one is shaped as it's molded. This means that it's designed to curve around your body rather than sit flat.

The Capo Modena Bib Shorts are available in the colors Black and Navy and in five sizes from Small to XX-Large.